Qatar University Life Science Symposium 2008 (QULSS 2008):
Biological Diversity of Qatar, 20 (Sat) – 21 (Sun) December 2008
Abstracts
1 – Keynote Talk
Prof Nigel Leader-Williams, Director, Durrell Institute of Conservation and
Ecology, University of Kent, UK
Qatar's role in conserving biodiversity
Humanity’s relationship with the world’s biodiversity has become
increasingly
destructive during the past 70,000 years that people have
colonised the land and
exploited the sea. The pace of destruction has now
accelerated to the point that
scientists believe we have entered a new
period in the Earth’s history – the
Anthropocene. Obvious examples of
biodiversity loss include the felling of tropical
rainforests, the poaching
if the last few Siberian tigers, or climate change that is
pushing the Cape
Floral kingdom off the bottom of the African continent. Fragile
desert
biodiversity is also under threat. The implications of this degradation
for
humanity are dire. Biodiversity is the life support system upon which
humanity
depends, in providing the food on our tables and the air we
breathe. The recent
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, the first comprehensive
evaluation of the health
of the biosphere, tells us that our planet is
descending into a dangerous positive
feedback loop of biodiversity loss, of
degraded natural habitats and of the ecosystem
services they provide. An
ambitious international target has been set to slow the tide
of extinction
by 2010. Qatar has an important role to play in this struggle, both
in
ensuring the conservation of its own biodiversity, and in playing a key role
on
the international stage.
2 – Current Status
Prof Ekhlas Abdel Bari, Professor of Botany, Environmental Studies Center,
University of Qatar
Current general status of the biodiversity of Qatar
Dr Mohamed Alaa Abdel-Moati, Ministry of Environment, Qatar
Coral Reef Biodiversity and Conservation in Qatar
Coral reefs were visited and evaluated at all major localities along the Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) of Qatar where important reef resources are known to exist.
Corals reefs in Qatar are facing several stressors both natural and man-made. Natural
stresses are increased salinity as well as extreme temperature events (both positive as
well as negative excursions that cause wide coral death). Such events occurred in
1996 and 1998 as well as 2002. These events are natural, and mass coral mortality
over wide areas is a repeated phenomenon. Man-Made stresses include dredging
activities, thermal plumes, tourism, over-exploitation of the reef resources (in
particular fish) as well as physical disturbances.
Twenty species around Halul Island, 8 species at Khor Al-Odaid and 4 species
at Umm Al-Arshan were recorded during the 2004 and 2005-2007 coral surveys.
Umm Al Arshan site (located about 20 Km northeast to Qatar) was the least affected
by the 1996/98 coral mortality. Halul Island and Umm Al Arshan had regenerated
most of the lost corals and showed healthy populations. Most other sites still express
significantly depressed cover and species diversity.
Through a joint collaboration between the Ministry of Environment (Qatar),
Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), National Coral Reef Institute, Florida,
USA (NCRI), WWF/EWS, and Dolphin Energy, a three years project entitled
‘Inventory and Map: Coral Reefs of Abu Dhabi and Eastern Qatar’ involved
recording and mapping coral reefs between Abu Dhabi and Qatar, assessing the
condition and potential for recovery of degraded systems and, at the same time,
building capacity of national researchers. The overall goal is development of a
conservation and management plan for the coral habitats. Corals have been studied,
mapped, groundtruthed, photographed; species identified; and inferences drawn.
Work revealed that although overall coral biodiversity remains depressed in the
region, it is clear that, given protection and with good management, reefs may fully
recover from the damage suffered during past stress events.
Qatar succeeded recently in relocation of corals that were expected to be
damaged by major development projects along the coastline off Ras Laffan Industrial
City to other protected areas.
Dr. Atef Kamel, Environmental Health and Safety Expert,
Ministry of
Municipal Affaris & Agriculture, Qatar
Terrestrial Biodiversity of Qatar
Qatar's terrestrial biodiversity is unique and support approximately 1,000 known
species. These include 8 mammals, 255 birds, 29 reptiles, one amphibian and 228
invertebrates. Of the terrestrial species about 27 are at risk. These include according
to the IUCN Red List as: Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VN),(LR), and Data
Deficient (DD). The Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), inhabited the deserts until a
century ago (Brook et.al.2006). It is now extinct in the wild (EW) but reintroduction
programs are attempting to introduce the captively bred Reem or sand gazelle
(Gazella subgutturosa) and Ostrich (Struthio camelus) which have been successfully
re-introduced in Boroug releasing sites (2003 &2006), respectively. Other mammals,
reptiles, birds and invertebrates species are present now in Qatar's environment in low
numbers and without sufficient data showing their population estimates, species
distribution, habitat evaluation, health and conservation status. Qatar ratified as party
to the (CBD), (CCD), CITES Conventions, International conventions for the
prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL) and recently ratified the Cartagena
Biosafety Protocol (GMOs) of the CBD in early 2007 and is now implementing
(2008). Qatar have completed National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
(NBSAP, 2004) that outline the conservation strategy, policies and procedures of the
country to implement the CBD convention to reduce biodiversity loss. Qatar's
Protected areas are considered as one among eleven strategic goals for biodiversity
conservation after enacting the 2004 law concerning the protection of wildlife and
their Natural habitats. Qatar has five designated protected areas for the terrestrial
ecosystems and three for the marine environment comprise together about 18% of the
terrestrial area of Qatar . These include the newly designated A Reem biosphere
reserve, Al Thakira marine protected area, Shahanniya, Khor Al Udaid, Al Weseil, Al
Oraiq and Al Mas'habiya. Shahanniya, Al Mas'habiya and Ras Usherig were mainly
captive breeding sites for endangered Arabian Oryx , Gazelles species and Ostriches.
3 – Biodiversity Issues
Dr Mohammad Albeldawi, Qatar Petrolium, Qatar
Biodiversity: legal requirement, mitigation and compensation mechanism
Biodiversity is the variety of all life in a given location including the variety of
species of plants and animals, variety of genes contained in all individual organisms,
the variety of habitats, biological communities and ecological processes. Currently,
producers and consumers under value the significance of loss of biodiversity in
developing projects, under conserve biodiversity as there is no workable, sound
science methodologies and specific guidelines and therefore maintain no explicit
biodiversity policy. In fact biodiversity contributes to the quality of life, it yields
aesthetic pleasure and hold cultural significance. Therefore, if biodiversity to be
conserved, there is a need to change behavior and to replace or modify economic
activities that give rise to biodiversity degradation and loss. One of the critical
approaches to control biodiversity conservation is to identify and manage the balance
between industrial and commercial development and the necessary mitigation and
compensation measures taken to create and implement biodiversity offset plan. There
is also need to define mechanisms to overcome practice that lead to biodiversity
deterioration, and to set in place policy and guidelines for biodiversity conservation.
This paper describes the biodiversity principles, environmental legal requirements,
means of mitigation and compensation mechanisms for land use and impacts.
Dr. Mehsin Abdullar Al-Ansi; Director, Environmental Studies Centre,
University of Qatar, Qatar
Turtle conservation in Qatar
Prof Ekhlas Abdel Bari, Professor of Botany, Environmental Studies Center,
University of Qatar, Qatar
Ecological restoration
Ecological restoration plays an important role in major governmental plans in a
number of developed countries. They attempt to conserve biodiversity, habitats and
landscape where they would normally would have been perished and biodiversity will
be lost. Ecological restoration may be considered as a healing process to a damaged
habitat and its occupants. There are 4 Rs involved in ecological restoration:
Restoration, Rehabitation, Reclamation and Recovery. We shall consider the relevant
information and will discuss the experience of the E.S.Center in Ecological
restoration
Dr Jasim Al-Khayat, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences,
University of Qatar, Qatar
Marine biodiversity of the State of Qatar
The study reviews the current status of taxonomic knowledge of marine biodiversity
of the State of Qatar, focusing on the macro-fauna and macro-flora of the intertidal,
sub-tidal and their various ecosystems. The taxonomy of some biota particularly the
invertebrate taxa remains a challenge to specialists and as a result these taxa continue
to be inadequately known from Qatari waters. Such groups include polychaetes,
sponges and hydrozoa. However, there is a considerable great knowledge on the
taxonomy and diversity of groups such as macroalgae, seagrasses, corals, crustacean,
molluscs, echinoderms, fishes and marine reptiles. The study suggests that the number
of species known could be high and similar to the other places in the Arabian Gulf
region. But they are less diverse than those elsewhere as in the Gulf of Oman and the
Red Sea. Finally, the importance of continued taxonomic research in the Qatari waters
is discussed, in light of the current threats to marine biodiversity.
Dr Mahmoud Kardousha, Department of Biological and Environmental
Sciences, University of Qatar, Qatar
The inland water fauna of Qatar
The diversity of Qatari fauna has been considered mainly through the concentration
on the marine water ecosystem and no attention was given to the fauna of inland fresh
water. This may related to the scare water resources in the arid conditions of Qatari
deserts. However, the seasonal landfill areas after rain fall beside the well basins in
farms and the treated wastewater wetlands- which became a permanent water bulksall are representing a good and successful ecosystems which embracing a lot of
species which are very important as bio-elements of the fresh water ecosystem. The
inland fauna of Qatar seem to have a rich diversity and can play an important role in
improving the arid environment.
Mr Mohammed Falamarzi, Head of Fisheries Developing Section, Ministry of
Municipality and Urban Planning, Qatar
Fish biodiversity of Qatar
4 – Research
Dr Talaat Abdel-Fattah Ahmad, Department of Biological and Environmental
Sciences, University of Qatar, Qatar
Using DNA barcode in plant biodiversity research
DNA barcodes have been proposed as a shortcut that would provide species
identifications and the discovery of new species. It offers a highly promising approach
to resolve the ‘taxonomic impediment’ that constrains global biodiversity research. A
DNA barcode is a relatively short sequence of genomic DNA that can be
used to identify species of animals, plants and fungi. DNA barcoding is already a
well-established technique in animals. However, it was a dream for plant scientists to
find a gene in plants that could be used to identify plant species. Usually,
Taxonomists could take tens of years to describe huge number of plant species using
traditional methods of description and publication. Work over the last few years has
shown that chloroplast is a good place to look for a barcode gene. Kress et al. (2005)
compared the utility of two plastid genomes for two species (tobacco Nicotiana
tobacum and deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna) and then tested candidate barcode
regions on 99 species in 80 genera from 53 plant families. They proposed the nuclear
internal transcribed spacer region and the plastid trnH-psbA intergenic spacer as a
potential DNA barcode for flowering plants. In 2008, Dr Savolainen and his
colleagues in UK found that a small gene (gene matK) located in the chloroplast of
the plant, has enough variation to identify between species but is nearly identical in
plants of the same species. They used the matK gene to identify around 1,000 species
of orchid in the tropical forests of Costa Rica. Orchids are well known to be difficult
to identify because they look similar, particularly when sterile.
Dr Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Department of Biological and Environmental
Sciences, University of Qatar, Qatar
Terrestrial mammalian biodiversity research
Researches and surveys have been carried out to understand the biodiversity of Qatar.
However, the results have not necessarily been disseminated in the way that is useful
for public understanding, and conservation, of the terrestrial mammalian biodiversity
of Qatar. For example, a well-accessed webpage entitled “List of mammals in Qatar”
listing only three terrestrial mamalian species in comparison to academic publications
suggesting 15 or more. The list does not include even the Ethiopian hedgehog
(Paraechinus aethiopicus), which is well adapted to the desert environment, and
apparently a common species in Qatar. Biodiversity conservation needs not only
collection of relevant information, but also dissemination of the information in the
society. I discuss the current status of our understanding of terrestrial mamalian
biodiversity of Qatar, and what we should do for its conservation in the future.
Dr Abdulrahman Almuftah, Department of Biological and Environmental
Sciences, University of Qatar, Qatar
Harmful algae species of Qatar waters
A preliminary survey of potentially toxic phytoplankton species was carried out in
Qatari waters. The number of HAB species in Qatari estimated and compared with
world flora. The species composition, distribution and ecology of the HABs
community was examined. About 80 taxa were recorded during this survey of which
Dinoflagellate was most abundant genus represented by 44 species. Bacilariophyceae
was represented by 28 species, while the Blue Green and Silicoflagellate was
represented by 6 and 2 Trichodesmium erythraeum bloom was found to persist for
longer period (May up to October). Pyrodinium bahamense v. compresum was
observed in large number in samples collected from Umm-Said area and from
northern stations where bloom was observed. Dinophysis caudate and D. miles was
noticed to form bloom at the offshore stations and sometimes was found to associate
with Trichodesmium bloom during summer months. The occurrence of large numbers
of HAB species in the Qatari waters, highlights the need for monitoring and research
programs in the area in particular and in the ROPME Sea Area in general.
5 – Management
Dr Benno Boer, Ecological Sciences Advisor, UNESCO Arab Region, UNESCO
Doha Office, Qatar
Activities of UNESCO Doha, and their relation to biodiversity conservation in
the region
Since the beginning of the new millenium UNESCO has done a lot towards
biodiversity research and conservation in Qatar, jointly with it's Governmental
and non-Governmental partners. The most prominent results are the establishment
of the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, in conjunction with the SCENR and Shell GTL
Qatar, which covers ca 10% of the total landmass of the country. UNESCO was
also involved in a catalytic role of developing the first Tentative List of World
Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites of Qatar, with SCENR and the Cultural
Authorities, and has assisted the authorities with the research into and the
development of a nomination file of the potential natural world heritage site Khor al
Udayd (with SCENR). More recently a master plan for the establishment of a
Quranic Botanic Garden was developed for Qatar Foundation, and supported by
Maersk Qatar, aiming at conserving the plants mentioned in the Holy Quran, as well
as the natural plants of the Arabain Peninsula. UNESCO also assisted the initial
phase of planning for the Qatar Natural History Museum. The presentation shies
some light of UNESCO's capacity and achievements in the Gulf and Qatar, in view
of biodiversity.
Dr Andrew Jamieson, Safety, Environment and Quality Department, Qatargas,
Qatar
Biodiversity conservation case studies at Qatargas.
Qatargas’ vision is to be a known for our corporation citizenship and by such set the
standards for environmental performance. Biodiversity conservation can therefore be
seen as critical to the fulfillment of this vision. Industry has played a leading role in
the drive for reducing the environmental footprint of facilities through internal
research and system development and sponsoring external scientific programmes.
Adoption of globally recognised management systems by industry has facilitated the
recognition that asset optimisation can improve environmental, operational and
finance performance. Such systems also highlight the need for transparent,
accountable and ethical decision making that are key components for sustainable
development. With respect to biodiversity conservation this necessitates scientificbased decisions to be at the forefront of development planning. Qatargas will present
an overview of two proactive studies concerning biodiversity conservation that
engaged the environmental regulator in the development of these pace-setting
projects. The case studies of the coral relocation project concentrates on involvement
at the planning stage whereas the cooling seawater pulse-chlorination examining the
potential benefits that can be achieved through process optimization within an
operating scenario.
The coral relocation project involves the movement of 4,500 coral colonies
from pipeline right of ways to a suitable habitat with on-going monitoring of coral
health and community composition to track changes through time. This projected
demonstrated that such large scale movements of corals are logistically possible and a
potential mitigation measure for such major coastal development projects.
Pulse-chlorination and related work has resulted in a significant reduction in
the amount of chlorine being used as the cooling seawater antifouling control strategy
and consequently reduced the residual chlorine (oxidant) being discharged into the
sea. Pulse-chlorination is based upon scientific ecotoxicological on-site studies. The
work involved in implementing pulse-chlorination has lead to increased awareness of
the issue surrounding seawater chlorination through organisation a conference in June
2006 that resulted in 12 recommendations being taken forward by a regulator-industry
working group. The 2nd International Cooling Seawater Specialists and Operators
Conference is schedule for mid February 2009 that will hopefully bring the related
regulatory issues to a satisfactory close for all concerned stakeholders.
There is often pressure to overlook biodiversity conservation in the planning
and current operation of large scale facilities due to the lack of baseline and / or
comparative regionally available data that allows for adequate assessments to be
conducted. These voids can be filled by co-operative studies between the government
bodies / large corporate entities / international non-government organisations / and
other local stakeholders. In conclusion, there are significant opportunities for large
scale industries and commercial developments to support and / or lead the progression
of strategically based national environmental and biodiversity management objectives
and goals.
Dr Sven Hammer, Director, Al-Wabra Wildlife Preservation
Sustainability and captive management of endangered species at Al Wabra
Wildlife Preservation
The role of modern zoological facilities has changed a lot during the last decades. A
major target is the contribution to conservation by providing knowledge, skills and
resources through initiatives in zoo breeding, translocations and reintroduction,
wildlife health, research, training, education and by funding field activities. In the last
years, Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP), owned by Sheikh Saoud Bin Mohd.
Bin Ali Al Thani’s, has traveled a long and rigorous path to complete the transition
from a private animal collection to a research and breeding centre for threatened
species of international repute. With an international team of specialist wildlife
veterinarians and biologists to manage approximately 1800 animals (700 birds, 1,000
mammals and 100 reptiles) of 95 different species, AWWP has overcome numerous
logistical and environmental challenges along the way. Today, AWWP is an associate
member of the European Association for Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and has achieved
pioneering success in breeding and managing very rare and sensitive species.
AWWP’s mission is to maintain a healthy reproductive and genetically varied captive
wild animal population under the latest scientific aspects, achieved by strict breeding
management, optimizing holding conditions and providing appropriate nutrition, with
a long term target of being prepared for reintroduction projects, wherever possible.
An oasis in the desert, literally and metaphorically, AWWP relies on sustainable food
resource management practices to meet the nutritional and husbandry demands of
captive animals. The principle of sustainability also applies to the management of
species at AWWP, where, unlike zoo’s, which hold a few individuals of many
species, AWWP keeps fewer, and often less common species but significantly more
individuals of each. Not having the pressures associated exhibiting animals allows
AWWP the unique opportunity to specialize in managing captive populations with the
view of long-term demographic and genetic sustainability. In addition to ex-situ
breeding, AWWP compliments it’s effort in species survival by initiating and funding
in-situ conservation projects and by contributing scientific data on hitherto relatively
unknown species. In these roles AWWP represents an important force in worldwide
conservation of wildlife and their habitats.
Mr Ghanim Abdulla Mohamad, Director, Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of
Environment, Qatar
National biodiversity strategy and action plan for the State of Qatar
Prof Paul Sillitoe, Qatar Shell Professorial Chair in Sustainable Development,
University of Qatar, Qatar
Biodiversity and sustainable development: some comments
In this paper I intend to make a few observations about biodiversity issues from the
perspective of sustainable development. While there are close links between
initiatives to protect biodiversity and sustainable approaches to development, there are
problems. Firstly, these are hotly contested. What do we understand by development
and when, if ever, is it sustainable? After briefly addressing these questions, I shall
turn to development projects that address biodiversity conservation, that is seek to
protect environments and species from the depredations of development. I shall
explore some of the issues via the histories of parks established for this purpose.
They often prove unsustainable due to conflicts with local communities, unhappy at
the imposition of park restrictions in their regions. Such projects often overlook the
extent to which humans are part of the ecosystems they seek to conserve –pristine
nature is rare. It is argued that appreciation of local practices should encourage more
sustainable interventions in both the ecological and cultural senses, as these often
represent understanding rooted in highly sustainable adaptations. It is thought that
participatory approaches to development are the best way to ensure the incorporation
of this rich knowledge into projects. But we should not romanticise it, as not all local
knowledge leads to activities that necessarily respect biodiversity. What then – back
to the imposition of conservation areas?